It’s still early, but today I came up with a possible plan for this Elm stump.
I’m thinking about doing a V -notch cut at a slant so water drains out +use preservatives on the cut site.
It should form a shoulder at the edge of the tissue dieback. I would just let it go until the shoulder is clearly discernible and then carve it back to the edge of the shoulder. It'll likely heal over better that way.
It should form a shoulder at the edge of the tissue dieback. I would just let it go until the shoulder is clearly discernible and then carve it back to the edge of the shoulder. It'll likely heal over better that way.
I love following the progress, and am looking forward to updates... but I am pretty sure that isn't an American elm. American elms have very noticeable asymmetrical leaf bases. They also have double serrate leaf margins.
I love following the progress, and am looking forward to updates... but I am pretty sure that isn't an American elm. American elms have very noticeable asymmetrical leaf bases. They also have double serrate leaf margins.
While looking at my ground planted trees, leafless, I came up with a plan for the original Elm under the lilac.
From this original air layer, I’ve taken two other air layers so far.
I think I will take one more large layer off the top and cut the lowest branch off. After that, -probably spring of 2026- I hope to replant at this angle. Grow it out do or another 2 yrs and then possibly put it in a big training pot.
Nice! You’re getting a lot of mileage out of it.
Good job documenting the progress. I’m working on some stumpy Siberian elms.
The nice thing about elks is how forgiving they are and how much progress yoy can make in a few years.
Nice! You’re getting a lot of mileage out of it.
Good job documenting the progress. I’m working on some stumpy Siberian elms.
The nice thing about elks is how forgiving they are and how much progress yoy can make in a few years.
Nice! I love Siberian Elm. I understand some see them as trash trees, and even invasive in some areas, but I still think they make great bonsai.
Here is a patch of volunteers under a big Siberian elm. There are a few nice ones in there. I may have to get permission to pull.this is one from a smaller stump that I’ve been working on for a few years.
As the weather has been getting warmer, I’ve had to start watering some of my outdoor plants.
I noticed the Elm stump -I found under the hydrangea bush- seemed to be staying very wet.
I decided to give it a repot today. I’m glad I did, as it smelled pretty funky in there.
Lots of sphagnum moss still.
I hope the root trim and fresh soil helps. 3’ long coiling roots circling the bottom of the pot. Unfortunately roots did not develop in some spots.
Bummer. Definitely could be improved!
Got it cleaned up and wired back into the same pot.
I almost forgot.
There are these weird yellow/orange spots on the trunk. Any idea????
With the leaves all gone, I’ve made some wiring tweaks.
After that, -probably spring of 2026- I hope to replant at this angle. 
Grow it out do or another 2 yrs and then possibly put it in a big training pot. 
this is one from a smaller stump that I’ve been working on for a few years.
3’ long coiling roots circling the bottom of the pot. 
Unfortunately roots did not develop in some spots.
